All groups will have access to asynchronous, moderated discussion boards. Assignment to discussion board will be stratified by randomization group (Level 1, 2 or 3). Level 1 access to the discussion board will serve as our "peer support" control condition, although we do expect some modest benefit from this intervention alone.
The discussion boards will be moderated by research staff, who will be supervised by a trained clinician (masters levels or higher). Discussion boards will be asynchronous, with all posts screened by the moderator(s) before appearing to the group.

All groups will have access to asynchronous, moderated discussion boards. Assignment to discussion board will be stratified by randomization group (Level 1, 2 or 3). Level 1 access to the discussion board will serve as our "peer support" control condition, although we do expect some modest benefit from this intervention alone.
The discussion boards will be moderated by research staff, who will be supervised by a trained clinician (masters levels or higher). Discussion boards will be asynchronous, with all posts screened by the moderator(s) before appearing to the group.

psychoeducation
Online psychoeducation

Online psychoeducation is only available to those randomized to Levels 2 and 3. The core modules of MoodSwings 2.0 will use videos and improved organization of content based on feedback from previous pilot work. Module topic areas include:
What is bipolar disorder? - Content about symptoms and diagnosis
Stress and triggers of illness
Medication and the biological basis of bipolar disorder
Depression - Symptoms, early detection and helpful strategies
Mania and hypomania - Symptoms, early detection and helpful strategies.

All groups will have access to asynchronous, moderated discussion boards. Assignment to discussion board will be stratified by randomization group (Level 1, 2 or 3). Level 1 access to the discussion board will serve as our "peer support" control condition, although we do expect some modest benefit from this intervention alone.
The discussion boards will be moderated by research staff, who will be supervised by a trained clinician (masters levels or higher). Discussion boards will be asynchronous, with all posts screened by the moderator(s) before appearing to the group.

psychoeducation
Online psychoeducation

Online psychoeducation is only available to those randomized to Levels 2 and 3. The core modules of MoodSwings 2.0 will use videos and improved organization of content based on feedback from previous pilot work. Module topic areas include:
What is bipolar disorder? - Content about symptoms and diagnosis
Stress and triggers of illness
Medication and the biological basis of bipolar disorder
Depression - Symptoms, early detection and helpful strategies
Mania and hypomania - Symptoms, early detection and helpful strategies.

interactive psychosocial tools
Interactive tools

Online psychosocial tools are only available to those randomized to Level 3. They include structured mood monitoring, medication monitoring, and life charting visual tools. There are also interactive worksheets that encourage awareness of negative thoughts and strategies to challenge them, help participants weight the costs and benefits of different behaviours, problem solving and goal setting, and reinforcing self-affirmation. Participants have the opportunity to build a record of personal triggers of illness and illness profile - including early warning signs, and symptoms typically experienced during an episode of illness, as well as a personal "relapse prevention plan".

Eligibility Criteria

Male or female participants from 21 years up to 65 years old.

Inclusion Criteria:
- Current diagnosis of bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, or bipolar disorder not
otherwise specified (NOS) verified with the Structured Clinical Interview for the
Diagnostic Manual for Mental Disorders (SCID) mood disorders module.
- Age 21 to 65
- Access to a computer with internet access. Access to a printer is preferable, but not
required.
- Able to speak and read English proficiently.
- Some degree of medical supervision of bipolar disorder (sees a health professional at
least twice a year to discuss symptoms and treatment needs).
- Local access to emergency care.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current psychosis, as assessed in screening phone interview with the SCID psychotic
screening module.
- Acutely suicidal (defined as having a Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HAM-D]
item 3 scores of ≥ 3)
- Current mania, assessed using the SCID mood disorder module.